Innovation week kicks off in Nairobi

The Nairobi Innovation week kicked off today, 5th August 2015 at the University of Nairobi graduation square. The innovation week provides a platform where innovators from various sectors such as agriculture, science, technology meet and showcase wonderful inventions. The event was graced by CS Information and Communication, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, University of Nairobi, Chancellor and Vice Chancellor among other officials. The event’s theme, ‘Innovate and Prosper’ attracted a good number of exhibitors of inventions and innovation.

Speaking during a panel discussion, Dr. Matiang’i said “Let us enhance an infrastructure that can facilitate innovation as Government is the biggest consumer of innovation. There is need to have transparency in appointment of leadership.”

At the conference, Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattanasi officially launched the Africa Technology and Innovation Accelerator (ATIA) which will see Computer for Designs (C4D) function as an Innovation and Accelerator laboratory. Barclays Kenya which was exhibiting at the event announced that it will be working on a partnership with C4D lab at the University of Nairobi.

The Innovation Week is set to be an annual event with the aim to foster discussions on innovation ecosystem, to showcase and recognize innovations in the university, to create a platform for presentations for academic papers and to foster partnership with others.

Presenters at the conference observed that innovation is always about the future thus it needs a good plan, support and a whole system of thinking to make the invention successful. In addition, Kenya needs to know that innovation is the basis of competition as old technology dies and new technology is born. Therefore, there is need to manage each innovation and universities should be at the forefront in playing a big role in encouraging inventions and innovations.

At the exhibition, Fabrication lab together with Concern Worldwide and Kenyatta University showcased their Maker Project, the 3D printer and Mantis by C4D lab students. The innovation week is set to end on Friday, 7th August.

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